During 2013-14, FWBC conducted 406 investigations into suspected breaches of workplace laws. Of these, 327 were new investigations commenced during the financial year. As at 30 June 2014, 283 investigations were finalised and 106 were ongoing. The number of new investigations commenced is lower than last financial year. This is due to a change in priorities away from high volume, low complexity wage and entitlements matters to more complex investigations involving issues such as coercion, freedom of association and right of entry.

Table 2.9 Summary of Investigations
Investigations 2012 to 13 2013 to 14
New Investigations commenced during the reporting period 392 327
Investigations finalised 380 283
Investigations continuing 78 106

Table 2.10 sets out a state-by-state breakdown of the number of new investigations.

Types of Contraventions Investigated

During 2013-14, FWBC investigated 977 contraventions of Commonwealth workplace laws. There has been a noticeable shift in the type of contraventions investigated compared to the last financial year. As at 30 June 2014, contraventions of right of entry had more than doubled. Contraventions relating to freedom of association and coercion also increased confirming the upward trend in investigations into the agency’s redefined core business.

Table 2.11 sets of the types of contraventions investigated.

Table 2.10 State Breakdown of New Investigations
State 2012 to 13 2013 to 14
NSW 105 66
VIC 95 67
QLD 71 72
WA 57 41
SA 32 58
TAS 2 3
ACT 22 10
NT 8 10
Total 392 327
Table 2.11 Types of Contraventions Investigated
Contravention 2012 to 13 % 2013 to 14 %
Right of entry 112 10 234 24
Unprotected industrial action 136 12 112 11
Coercion 143 13 149 15
Sham contracting 109 10 47 5
Freedom of association 147 13 152 16
Strike pay 21 2 42 4
Wages and entitlements 351 31 154 16
Other 108 9 87 9
Building Code 0 0 0 0
Total 1,127 100 977 100

Note: ‘Other’ includes other FW Act breaches, criminal activity and breaches of laws relating to taxation, trade practices and state industrial relations and occupational health and safety.